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Redskins vs. Panthers: 5 keys to victory in Washington’s Week 6 matchup

By Kyle Hundley

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins takes the field for warmups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins takes the field for warmups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 4 Redskins must shut down Christian McCaffrey and the screen game

The Redskins did not do a great job of shutting down the screen game against the New Orleans Saints. While they did limit what Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram did, some of the other Saints weapons were able to make some big plays off screens. The defense as a whole needs to react better and communicate better if they hope to contain rising rookie D.J. Moore and Christian McCaffrey in this aspect of the game.

McCaffrey is one of the most electric backs in the league; he is a weapon in all facets of the game and is one of the better pass catchers at his position league-wide. He needs to be keyed on.

In the loss to the Saints, The lone bright spot was the run defense. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen did a good job of stopping the run and both have played very well through the first quarter of the season. Allen is emerging as both a force on the field and as a vocal leader on the defense and must continue to show growth with a big game.

Zach Brown needs to make his presence felt this game too. He’s been good against the run this year but has struggled at times in coverage. Perhaps the Redskins defense will try to scheme him into better opportunities to play downhill and make some plays against McCaffrey.

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